Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a car frame device for an elevator, which is configured to support a cage.
Background Art
[0002] There has hitherto been known a car frame device for an elevator, which includes a lower beam, a pair of vertical columns, and an upper beam. The lower beam is configured to support a cage. The pair of vertical columns each extend upward from the lower beam. The upper beam is provided between upper ends of the pair of vertical columns. The lower beam includes a pair of fixing portions, which are configured to sandwich the vertical columns therebetween in a depth direction of the cage . The pair of fixing portions are fixed to the vertical columns with use of bolts, respectively. A slit extending in a height direction is formed at a center of a portion of each of the vertical columns, which is sandwiched between the pair of fixing portions, in a depth direction of the cage (see, for example, Patent Literature 1).
Citation List Patent Literature [0003] [PTL 1] JP 2009-184791 A

Summary of Invention Technical Problem
[0004] However, under a state before the pair of fixing portions are fixed to the vertical columns, gaps are formed between each of the pair of fixing portions and the vertical columns for easy insertion of the vertical columns between the pair of fixing portions . When the pair of fixing portions are fixed to the vertical columns, the vertical columns are easily deformed owing to the presence of the slits so as to eliminate the gaps between each of the pair of fixing portions and the vertical columns. The slit is formed at the center of each of the vertical columns in the depth direction of the cage. Thus, in order to deform the vertical columns so as to eliminate the gaps between each of the pair of fixing portions and the vertical columns under a state in which the vertical columns still extend in the vertical direction, repetition of a trial and error process for determining a fastening amount of each of the plurality of bolts and fastening order of the plurality of bolts is required. Thus, there is a problem in low assembly work efficiency.
[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the problem described above, and has an object to provide a car frame device for an elevator, with which assembly work efficiency can be improved.
Solution to Problem

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a car frame device for an elevator, including: a lower beam; an upper beam provided above the lower beam; and a vertical column provided between the lower beam and the upper beam, wherein at least one of the lower beam and the upper beam includes a pair of fixing portions opposed to each other, wherein the vertical column includes an insertion portion inserted between the pair of fixing portions, wherein the insertion portion includes: a first column mounting portion fixed to one of the pair of fixing portions with use of a fastener; and a second column mounting portion fixed to another one of the pair of fixing portions with use of a fastener, and wherein a stiffness of the first column mounting portion and a stiffness of the second column mounting portion are different from each other.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0007] With the car frame device for an elevator according to one embodiment of the present invention, the stiffness of the first column mounting portion and the stiffness of the second column mounting portion are different from each other. Thus, when the pair of fixing portions are fixed to the vertical columns with use of the fasteners, one of the first column mounting portion and the second column mounting portion, which has a higher stiffness, has a smaller deformation amount than a deformation amount of another one of the first column mounting port ion and the second column mounting

portion, which has a lower stiffness. Accordingly, by first fixing a corresponding one of the fixing portions to one of the first column mounting portion and the second column mounting portion, which has a higher stiffness, the vertical columns can be deformed so as to eliminate gaps between each of the pair of fixing portions and the vertical columns under a state in which the vertical columns still extend in a vertical direction. In the manner described above, repetition of a trial and error process for determining a fastening amount of each of the plurality of fasteners and fastening order of the plurality of fasteners is not required. Thus, assembly work efficiency of the car frame device for an elevator can be improved.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0008] FIG. 1 is a front view for illustrating a car frame device for an elevator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view for illustrating the car frame device for an elevator of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIG. 1 when viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.
FIG. 4 is a front view for illustrating a car frame device for an elevator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a side view for illustrating the car frame device for an elevator of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 4 when viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.
FIG. 7 is a front view for illustrating a car frame device for an elevator according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a side view for illustrating the car frame device for an elevator of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line IX-IX of FIG. 7 when viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.
FIG. 10 is a front view for illustrating a car frame device for an elevator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a side view for illustrating the car frame device for an elevator of FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line XII-XII of FIG. 10 when viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.
Description of Embodiments [0009] First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a front view for illustrating a car frame device for an elevator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view for illustrating the car frame device for an elevator of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line III-IIIofFIG. 1 when viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows. The car frame device for an elevator according to

the first embodiment of the present invention is configured to support a cage (not shown) . The car frame device for an elevator includes a lower beam 1, an upper beam 2, and a pair of vertical columns 3 . The lower beam 1 is provided so as to extend in a width direction of the cage, and is configured to support the cage. The upper beam
2 is provided above the lower beam 1. The pair of vertical columns
3 are provided between the lower beam 1 and the upper beam 2 . Each of the pair of vertical columns 3 is arranged so as to extend upward from the lower beam 1. The upper beam 2 is arranged above the cage so as to extend between upper ends of the pair of vertical columns 3. The pair of vertical columns 3 are arranged so that the cage is provided between the pair of vertical columns 3 in the width direction. The width direction of the cage is a frontage direction of the cage, and is a direction indicated by the arrows A of FIG. 1.
[0010] The lower beam 1 includes a pair of fixing portions 11, which sandwich lower ends of the vertical columns 3 in a depth direction of the cage. The pair of fixing portions 11 are opposed to each other in the depth direction of the cage. An opposing direction in which the pair of fixing portions 11 are opposed to each other is the depth direction of the cage. The depth direction of the cage is a direction indicated by the arrows B of FIG. 2. The pair of fixing portions 11 are fixed to the vertical columns 3 with use of a plurality of fasteners 12, respectively. Examples of the fasteners 12 include bolts and screws.

[0011] The upper beam 2 includes a pair of fixing portions 21, which sandwich upper ends of the vertical columns 3 in a depth direction B of the cage. The pair of fixing portions 21 are opposed to each other in the depth direction of the cage. An opposing direction in which the pair of fixing portions 21 are opposed to each other is the depth direction B of the cage. The pair of fixing portions 21 are fixed to the vertical columns 3 with use of a plurality of fasteners 22, respectively. Examples of the fasteners 22 include bolts and screws.
[0012] Each of the vertical columns 3 includes a first vertical column member 31, a second vertical column member 32 , and a plurality of coupling members 33. The first vertical column member 31 is provided between the lower beam 1 and the upper beam 2 . The second vertical column member 32 is provided between the lower beam 1 and the upper beam 2 . The plurality of coupling members 33 are configured to couple the first vertical column member 31 and the second vertical column member 32 to each other. The first vertical column member 31 is arranged on a side closer to a landing in the depth direction B of the cage than the second vertical column member 32 . In other words, the second vertical column member 32 is arranged farther from the landing in the depth direction B of the cage than the first vertical column member 31. The plurality of coupling members 33 are arranged in a height direction so as to be spaced apart from each other.
[0013] A dimension of the first vertical column member 31 in

the depth direction B of the cage is the same over the entire region in the height direction. A dimension of the second vertical column member 32 in the depth direction B of the cage is the same over the entire region in the height direction.
[0014] Each of the vertical columns 3 includes an insertion portion 34 inserted between the pair of fixing portions 11. The insertion portion 34 includes a first column mounting portion 311 and a second column mounting portion 321. The first column mounting portion 311 is fixed to one of the pair of fixing portions 11 with use of the fasteners 12. The second column mounting portion 321 is fixed to another one of the pair of fixing portions 11 with use of the fasteners 12 . Further, each of the vertical columns 3 includes an insertion portion 35 inserted between the pair of fixing portions 21. The insertion portion35 includes a first column mounting port ion 312 and a second column mounting portion 322. The first column mounting portion 312 is fixed to one of the pair of fixing portions 21 with use of the fasteners 22 . The second column mounting portion 322 is fixed to another one of the pair of fixing portions 21 with use of the fasteners 22 . The first vertical column member 31 includes the first column mounting portion 311 and the first column mounting portion 312 . The second vertical column member 32 includes the second column mounting portion 321 and the second column mounting portion 322. The first vertical column member 31 and the second vertical column member 32 are members separate from each other. [0015] The dimension of the first vertical column member 31

and the dimensionof the second vertical column member 32 are different f romeachother in thedepthdirectionBof the cage . Thus, astiffness of the first vertical column member 31 and a stiffness of the second vertical column member 32 are different from each other. With the above-mentioned difference in stiffness, a stiffness of the first column mounting portion 311 and a stiffness of the second column mounting portion 321 are different from each other, and a stiffness of the first column mounting portion 312 and a stiffness of the second column mounting portion 322 are different from each other. [0016] More specifically, the dimension of the first vertical column member 31 is larger than the dimension of the second vertical column member 32 in the depth direction B of the cage. Thus, the stiffness of the first vertical column member 31 is higher than the stiffness of the second vertical column member 32. With the stiffnesses described above, the stiffness of the first column mounting portion 311 is higher than the stiffness of the second column mounting portion 321, and the stiffness of the first column mounting portion 312 is higher than the stiffness of the second column mounting portion 322 . A stiffness ratio of the first column mounting portion 311 and the second column mounting portion 321 in the depth direction B of the cage is set to fall within a range of, for example, from about 5:1 to about 10:1. A stiffness ratio of the first column mounting port ion 312 and the second column mounting portion 322 in the depth direction B of the cage is set to fall within a range of, for example, from about 5:1 to about 10:1.

[0017] It is desired that a dimension from a lower end of each of the vertical columns 3 to one of the plurality of coupling members 33, which is arranged at a lowermost position among the plurality of coupling members 33, be larger than a dimension of each of the fixing portions 11 in the height direction. In other words, it is desired that the coupling members 33 be not arranged between the pair of fixing portions 11. It is desired that a dimension from an upper end of each of the vertical columns 3 to one of the plurality of coupling members 33, which is arranged at an uppermost position among the plurality of coupling members 33 , be larger than a dimension of each of the fixing portions 21 in the height direction. In other words, it is desired that the coupling members 33 be not arranged between the pair of fixing portions 21.
[0018] Spacers may be inserted into gaps between the vertical columns 3 and the pair of fixing portions 11 and between the vertical columns 3 and the pair of fixing portions 21. In this case, in order to prevent deformation of the spacers, which may occur when the vertical columns 3 are inserted between the pair of fixing portions 11 and the vertical columns 3 are inserted between the pair of fixing portions 21, a dimension of each of the spacers in a thickness direction is required to be equal to or larger than 0.5 mm. Thus, even when the spacers are used, spaces, which are smaller than 0.5 mm in total, are formed between each of the vertical columns 3 and a corresponding one of the spacers and between the corresponding spacer and a corresponding one of the fixing portions 11, and spaces,

which are smaller than 0.5 mm in total, are formed between each of the vertical columns 3 and a corresponding one of the spacers and between the corresponding spacer and a corresponding one of the fixing portions 21, are formed.
[0019] A dimension of each of the vertical columns 3 in the height direction is equal to or larger than ten times the dimension of each of the fixing portions 11 and the dimension of each of the fixing portions 21 in the height direction. Thus, by a simple calculation, a deformation amount of each of the vertical columns 3 is calculated as: 0.5 (mm)xl0 = 5 (mm) . Hitherto, the deformation amount of each of the vertical columns 3, which is +5 mm, is reduced through a trial and error process for determining a fastening amount of each of the fasteners 12 and the fasteners 22 and fastening order thereof . In the present invention, the stiffness ratio of the first column mounting portion 311 and the second column mounting portion 321 is set to fall within the range of, for example, from about 5 :1 to about 10:1, and the stiffness ratio of the first column mounting portion 312 and the second column mounting portion 322 is set to fall within the range of, for example, from about 5 :1 to about 10 :1. Thus, the deformation amount of each of the vertical columns 3, which is +5 mm, can be suppressed to fall within a range of from +0.5 mm to +1.0 mm by assembly in suitable order. Such a degree of deformation amount of each of the vertical columns 3 can be satisfactorily absorbed by, for example, guide shoes configured to guide the car frame device for an elevator. Hence, the deformation

of each of the vertical columns 3 is not required to be corrected. Thus, the car frame device for an elevator, which has high accuracy and provides high working efficiency, can be provided.
[0020] Next, an assembly procedure for the car frame device for an elevator is described. First, the lower ends of the vertical columns 3 are inserted between the pair of fixing portions 11, and the upper ends of the vertical columns 3 are inserted between the pair of fixing portions 21. For easy insertion of the vertical columns 3 between the pair of fixing portions 11, gaps are formed between each of the pair of fixing portions 11 and the vertical columns 3. Further, for easy insertion of the vertical columns 3 between the pair of fixing portions 21, gaps are formed between each of the pair of fixing portions 21 and the vertical columns 3.
[0021] After that, a corresponding one of the fixing portions 11 is fixed to the first column mounting portions 311 with use of the plurality of fasteners 12 . Further, a corresponding one of the fixing portions 21 is fixed to the first column mounting portions 312 with use of the plurality of fasteners 22. After the corresponding one of the fixing portions 11 is fixed to the first column mounting portions 311 and the corresponding one of the fixing portion 21 is fixed to the first column mounting portions 312, the gaps between the first column mounting portions 311 and the corresponding one of the fixing portions 11 are eliminated in the depth direction B of the cage. Further, the gaps between the first

column mounting portions 312 and the corresponding one of the fixing portions 21 are eliminated in the depth direction B of the cage. As a result, the gaps are increased between the second column mounting portions 321 and a corresponding one of the fixing portions 11 in the depth direction B of the cage. Further, the gaps are increased between the second column mounting portions 322 and a corresponding one of the fixing portions 21 in the depth direction B of the cage. [0022] After that, a corresponding one of the fixing portions 11 is fixed to the second column mounting portions 321 with use of the plurality of fasteners 12, and a corresponding one of the fixing portions 21 is fixed to the second column mounting portions 322 with use of the plurality of fasteners 22 . At the time of fixation, the vertical columns 3 are deformed so as to eliminate the gaps between the second column mounting port ions 321 and the corresponding one of the fixing portions 11 and the gaps between the second column mounting port ions 322 and the corresponding one of the fixing portions 21. Further, at this time, the stiffness of each of the first column mounting portions 311 is higher than the stiffness of each of the second column mounting portions 321, and the stiffness of each of the first column mounting portions 312 is higher than the stiffness of each of the second column mounting portions 322. Hence, the deformation amount of each of the first column mounting portions 311 is smaller than the deformation amount of each of the second column mounting portions 321, and the deformation amount of each of the first column mounting portions 312 is smaller than the

deformation amount of each of the second column mounting portions 322 . Thus, the vertical columns 3 can be deformed so as to eliminate the gaps between the pair of fixing portions 11 and the vertical columns 3 and the gaps between the pair of fixing portions 21 and the vertical columns 3 under a state in which the vertical columns 3 still extend in the vertical direction.
[0023] As described above, with the car frame device for an elevator according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the stiffness of each of the first column mounting portions 311 is higher than the stiffness of each of the second column mounting portions 321. Thus, when the pair of fixing portions 11 are fixed to the vertical columns 3 with use of the fasteners 12 , the deformation amount of each of the first column mounting portions 311 is smaller than the deformation amount of each of the second column mounting portions 321. Thus, by first fixing a corresponding one of the fixing portions 11 to the first column mounting portions 311, the vertical columns 3 can be deformed so as to eliminate the gaps between the pair of fixing portions 11 and the vertical columns 3 under a state in which the vertical columns 3 still extend in the vertical direction. With the deformation, repetition of a trial and error process for determining the fastening amount of each of the plurality of fasteners 12 and the fastening order of the plurality of fasteners 12 is not required. As a result, assembly work efficiency of the car frame device for an elevator can be improved.
[0024] Further, in the car frame device for an elevator, the

stiffness of each of the first column mounting portions 312 is higher than the stiffness of each of the second column mounting portions 322. Thus, when the pair of fixing portions 21 are fixed to the vertical columns 3 with use of the fasteners 22, the deformation amount of each of the first column mounting portions 312 is smaller than the deformation amount of each of the second column mounting portions 322 . Thus, by first fixing a corresponding one of the fixing portions 21 to the first column mounting portions 312, the vertical columns 3 can be deformed so as to eliminate the gaps between the pair of fixing portions 21 and the vertical columns 3 under a state in which the vertical columns 3 still extend in the vertical direction. With the deformation, repetition of a trial and error process for determining the fastening amount of each of the plurality of fasteners 22 and the fastening order of the plurality of fasteners 22 is not required. As a result, assembly work efficiency of the car frame device for an elevator can be improved.
[0025] Further, each of the vertical columns 3 includes the first vertical column member 31 including the first column mounting portion 311, the second vertical column member 32 including the second column mounting portion 321, and the coupling portions 33 configured to couple the first vertical column member 31 and the second vertical column member 32 to each other. The first vertical column member 31 and the second vertical column member 32 are members separate from each other. As a result, the first column mounting portion 311 and the second column mounting portion 321 can be formed

with simple configurations. Further, each of the vertical columns 3 includes the first vertical column member 31 including the first column mounting portion 312, the second vertical column member 32 including the second column mounting portion 322, and the coupling portions 33 configured to couple the first vertical column member
31 and the second vertical column member 32 to each other. The first
vertical column member 31 and the second vertical column member
32 are members separate from each other. As a result, the first
column mounting portion 312 and the second column mounting portion
322 can be formed with simple configurations.
[0026] Second Embodiment
FIG. 4 is a front view for illustrating a car frame device for an elevator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a side view for illustrating the car frame device for an elevator of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 4 when viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows. In the first embodiment, there has been described the configuration in which the vertical columns 3 each include the first vertical column member 31, the second vertical column member 32, and the plurality of coupling members 33. The configuration according to the first embodiment is suitable for such a car frame device for an elevator in a large-size elevator or a car frame device for an elevator in a large-capacity elevator that each of the vertical columns 3 cannot be formed of a single member. A configuration according to the second embodiment is suitable for such a car frame

device for an elevator in a middle-size elevator or a car frame device for an elevator in a middle-capacity elevator that each of the vertical columns 3 can be formed of a single member. [0027] A cutout 341 is formed in the insertion portion 34 of each of the vertical columns 3. The cutout 341 is arranged so as to extend in the height direction. The cutout 341 is arranged so as to be offset in the depth direction B from a center of the insertion portion 34 in the depth direction B of the cage. More specifically, the cutout 341 is arranged so as to be offset from the center of the insertion portion 34 in the depth direction B of the cage so as to be separate away from the landing in the depth direction B. The insertion portion 34 of each of the vertical columns 3 includes the first column mounting portion 311 and the second column mounting portion 321. The first column mounting portion 311 is fixed to one of the pair of fixing portions 11 with use of the fasteners 12. The second column mounting portion 321 is fixed to another one of the pair of fixing portions 11 with use of the fasteners 12. The cutout 341 is arranged between the first column mounting portion 311 and the second column mounting portion 321 in the depth direction B of the cage. As a result of the formation of the cutout 341 in the insertion portion 34 of each of the vertical columns 3, the first column mounting portion 311 and the second column mounting portion 321 have stiffnesses different from each other. [0028] A cutout 351 is formed in the insertion portion 35 of each of the vertical columns 3. The cutout 351 is arranged so as

to extend in the height direction. The cutout 351 is arranged so as to be offset in the depth direction B from a center of the insertion portion 35 in the depth direction B of the cage. More specifically, the cutout 351 is arranged so as to be offset from the center of the insertion portion 34 in the depth direction B of the cage so as to be separate away from the landing in the depth direction B. The insertion portion 35 of each of the vertical columns 3 includes the first column mounting portion 312 and the second column mounting portion 322. The first column mounting portion 312 is fixed to one of the pair of fixing portions 21 with use of the fasteners 22. The second column mounting portion 322 is fixed to another one of the pair of fixing portions 21 with use of the fasteners 22. The cutout 351 is arranged between the first column mounting portion 312 and the second column mounting portion 322 in the depth direction B of the cage. As a result of the formation of the cutout 351 in the insertion portion 35 of each of the vertical columns 3, the first column mounting portion 312 and the second column mounting portion 322 have stiffnesses different from each other. [0029] Specifically, the stiffness of the first column mounting portion 311 is higher than the stiffness of the second column mounting portion 321, and the stiffness of the first column mounting portion 312 is higher than the stiffness of the second column mounting portion 322. A stiffness ratio of the first column mounting portion 311 and the second column mounting portion 321 in the depth direction B of the cage is set to fall within a range of, for example, from

about 5:1 to about 10:1. A stiffness ratio of the first column mounting portion 312 and the second column mounting portion 322 in the depth direction B of the cage is set to fall within a range of, for example, from about 5 :1 to about 10 :1. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0030] It is desired that a dimension of the cutout 341 in a length direction be larger than the dimension of each of the fixing portions 11 in the height direction and that a dimension of the cutout 351 in a length direction be larger than the dimension of each of the fixing portions 21 in the height direction. In other words, it is desired that the cutout 341 be formed over an entire region of the pair of fixing portions 11 in the height direction between the pair of fixing portions 11 and that the cutout 351 be formed over an entire region of the pair of fixing portions 21 in the height direction between the pair of fixing portions 21.
[0031] Next, an assembly procedure for the car frame device for an elevator is described. First, the lower ends of the vertical columns 3 are inserted between the pair of fixing portions 11, and the upper ends of the vertical columns 3 are inserted between the pair of fixing portions 21. For easy insertion of the vertical columns 3 between the pair of fixing portions 11, gaps are formed between each of the pair of fixing portions 11 and the vertical columns 3. Further, for easy insertion of the vertical columns 3 between the pair of fixing portions 21, gaps are formed between each of the pair of fixing portions 21 and the vertical columns

3.
[0032] After that, a corresponding one of the fixing portions 11 is fixed to the first column mounting portions 311 with use of the plurality of fasteners 12 . Further, a corresponding one of the fixing portions 21 is fixed to the first column mounting portions 312 with use of the plurality of fasteners 22. After the corresponding one of the fixing portions 11 is fixed to the first column mounting portions 311 and the corresponding one of the fixing portion 21 is fixed to the first column mounting portions 312, the gaps between the first column mounting portions 311 and the corresponding one of the fixing portions 11 are eliminated in the depth direction B of the cage. Further, the gaps between the first column mounting portions 312 and the corresponding one of the fixing portions 21 are eliminated in the depth direction B of the cage. As a result, the gaps are increased between the second column mounting portions 321 and a corresponding one of the fixing portions 11 in the depth direction B of the cage. Further, the gaps are increased between the second column mounting portions 322 and a corresponding one of the fixing portions 21 in the depth direction B of the cage.
[0033] After that, a corresponding one of the fixing portions 11 is fixed to the second column mounting portions 321 with use of the plurality of fasteners 12, and a corresponding one of the fixing portions 21 is fixed to the second column mounting portions 322 with use of the plurality of fasteners 22 . At the time of fixation, the vertical columns 3 are deformed so as to eliminate the gaps

between the second column mounting port ions 321 and the corresponding one of the fixing portions 11 and the gaps between the second column mounting port ions 322 and the corresponding one of the fixing portions 21. Further, at this time, the stiffness of each of the first column mounting portions 311 is higher than the stiffness of each of the second column mounting portions 321, and the stiffness of each of the first column mounting portions 312 is higher than the stiffness of each of the second column mounting portions 322. Hence, the deformation amount of each of the first column mounting portions 311 is smaller than the deformation amount of each of the second column mounting portions 321 and the deformation amount of each of the first column mounting portions 312 is smaller than the deformation amount of each of the second column mounting portions 322 . Thus, the vertical columns 3 can be deformed so as to eliminate the gaps between the pair of fixing portions 11 and the vertical columns 3 and the gaps between the pair of fixing portions 21 and the vertical columns 3 under a state in which the vertical columns 3 still extend in the vertical direction.
[0034] As described above, with the car frame device for an elevator according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the cutout 341 is formed in the insertion portion 34, and the cutout 341 is arranged between the first column mounting portion 311 and the second column mounting portion 321 in the depth direction B of the cage. Thus, the first column mounting portion 311 and the second column mounting portion 321 can be formed with simple

configurations. Further, the cutout 351 is formed in the insertion portion 35, and the cutout 351 is arranged between the first column mounting portion 312 and the second column mounting portion 322 in the depth direction B of the cage . Thus, the first column mounting portion 312 and the second column mounting portion 322 can be formed with simple configurations.
[0035] Further, the cutout 341 is arranged so as to extend in the height direction, and is arranged so as to be offset in the depth direction B from the center of the insertion portion 34 in the depth direction B of the cage. Thus, the first column mounting portion 311 and the second column mounting portion 321 can be formed with simple configurations. Further, the cutout 351 is arranged so as to extend in the height direction, and is arranged so as to be offset in the depth direction B from the center of the insertion portion 35 in the depth direction B of the cage. Thus, the first column mounting portion 312 and the second column mounting portion 322 can be formed with simple configurations.
[0036] Third Embodiment
FIG. 7 is a front view for illustrating a car frame device for an elevator according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a side view for illustrating the car frame device for an elevator of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line IX-IX of FIG. 7 when viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows. In the second embodiment, there has been described the configuration in which each of the vertical columns 3 is formed

of a single member and in which each of the vertical columns 3 has the cutout 341 and the cutout 351. The configuration according to the second embodiment is suitable for a car frame device for an elevator in a middle-size elevator or a car frame device for an elevator in a middle-capacity elevator. A configuration according to the third embodiment is suitable for such a car frame device for an elevator in a small-size elevator or a car frame device for an elevator in a small-capacity elevator that the cutout 341 and the cutout 351 cannot be formed in each of the vertical columns 3.
[0037] A groove 342 is formed in the insertion portion 34 of each of the vertical columns 3. The groove 342 is arranged so as to extend in the height direction. The groove 342 is arranged so as to be offset in the depth direction B from a center of the insertion portion 34 in the depth direction B of the cage. More specifically, the groove 342 is arranged so as to be offset from the center of the insertion portion 34 in the depth direction B of the cage so as to be separate away from the landing in the depth direction B. The insertion portion 34 of each of the vertical columns 3 includes the first column mounting portion 311 and the second column mounting portion 321. The first column mounting portion 311 is fixed to one of the pair of fixing portions 11 with use of the fasteners 12. The second column mounting portion 321 is fixed to another one of the pair of fixing portions 11 with use of the fasteners 12. The groove 342 is arranged between the first column mounting portion

311 and the second column mounting portion 321 in the depth direction B of the cage.
[0038] Aportion of the insertion portion 34 , in which the groove 342 is formed, has a thickness. Specifically, the groove 342 does not pass through the insertion portion 34 in the thickness direction in the portion of the insertion portion 34, in which the groove 342 is formed. A dimension of the portion of the insertion portion 34, in which the groove 342 is formed, in the thickness direction is smaller than a dimension of a portion of the insertion portion 34 , in which the groove 342 is not formed. As a result of the formation of the groove 342 in the insertion portion 34 of each of the vertical columns 3, the first column mounting portion 311 and the second column mounting portion 321 have stiffnesses different from each other.
[0039] A groove 352 is formed in the insertion portion 35 of each of the vertical columns 3. The groove 352 is arranged so as to extend in the height direction. The groove 352 is arranged so as to be offset in the depth direction B from a center of the insertion portion 35 in the depth direction B of the cage. More specifically, the groove 352 is arranged so as to be offset from the center of the insertion portion 35 in the depth direction B of the cage so as to be separate away from the landing in the depth direction B. The insertion portion 35 of each of the vertical columns 3 includes the first column mounting portion 312 and the second column mounting portion 322. The first column mounting portion 312 is fixed to one

of the pair of fixing portions 21 with use of the fasteners 22. The second column mounting portion 322 is fixed to another one of the pair of fixing portions 21 with use of the fasteners 22. The groove 352 is arranged between the first column mounting portion 312 and the second column mounting portion 322 in the depth direction B of the cage.
[0040] Aportion of the insertion portion 35 , in which the groove 352 is formed, has a thickness. Specifically, the groove 352 does not pass through the insertion portion 35 in the thickness direction in the portion of the insertion portion 35, in which the groove 352 is formed. A dimension of the portion of the insertion portion 35, in which the groove 352 is formed, in the thickness direction is smaller than a dimension of a portion of the insertion portion 35, in which the groove 352 is not formed. As a result of the formation of the groove 352 in the insertion portion 35 of each of the vertical columns 3, the first column mounting portion 312 and the second column mounting portion 322 have stiffnesses different from each other.
[0041] Specifically, the stiffness of the first column mounting portion 311 is higher than the stiffness of the second column mounting portion 321, and the stiffness of the first column mounting portion 312 is higher than the stiffness of the second column mounting portion 322. A stiffness ratio of the first column mounting portion 311 and the second column mounting portion 321 in the depth direction B of the cage is set to fall within a range of, for example, from

about 5:1 to about 10:1. A stiffness ratio of the first column mounting portion 312 and the second column mounting portion 322 in the depth direction B of the cage is set to fall within a range of, for example, from about 5 :1 to about 10 :1. Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment.
[0042] It is desired that a dimension of the groove 342 in a length direction be larger than the dimension of each of the fixing portions 11 in the height direction and that a dimension of the groove 352 in a length direction be larger than the dimension of each of the fixing portions 21 in the height direction. In other words, it is desired that the groove 342 be formed over an entire region of the pair of fixing portions 11 in the height direction between the pair of fixing portions 11 and that the groove 352 be formed over an entire region of the pair of fixing portions 21 in the height direction between the pair of fixing portions 21.
[0043] Next, an assembly procedure for the car frame device for an elevator is described. First, the lower ends of the vertical columns 3 are inserted between the pair of fixing portions 11, and the upper ends of the vertical columns 3 are inserted between the pair of fixing portions 21. For easy insertion of the vertical columns 3 between the pair of fixing portions 11, gaps are formed between each of the pair of fixing portions 11 and the vertical columns 3. Further, for easy insertion of the vertical columns 3 between the pair of fixing portions 21, gaps are formed between each of the pair of fixing portions 21 and the vertical columns

3.
[0044] After that, a corresponding one of the fixing portions 11 is fixed to the first column mounting portions 311 with use of the plurality of fasteners 12 . Further, a corresponding one of the fixing portions 21 is fixed to the first column mounting portions 312 with use of the plurality of fasteners 22. After the corresponding one of the fixing portions 11 is fixed to the first column mounting portions 311 and the corresponding one of the fixing portion 21 is fixed to the first column mounting portions 312, the gaps between the first column mounting portions 311 and the corresponding one of the fixing portions 11 are eliminated in the depth direction B of the cage. Further, the gaps between the first column mounting portions 312 and the corresponding one of the fixing portions 21 are eliminated in the depth direction B of the cage. As a result, the gaps are increased between the second column mounting portions 321 and a corresponding one of the fixing portions 11 in the depth direction B of the cage. Further, the gaps are increased between the second column mounting portions 322 and a corresponding one of the fixing portions 21 in the depth direction B of the cage.
[0045] After that, a corresponding one of the fixing portions 11 is fixed to the second column mounting portions 321 with use of the plurality of fasteners 12, and a corresponding one of the fixing portions 21 is fixed to the second column mounting portions 322 with use of the plurality of fasteners 22 . At the time of fixation, the vertical columns 3 are deformed so as to eliminate the gaps

between the second column mounting port ions 321 and the corresponding one of the fixing portions 11 and the gaps between the second column mounting port ions 322 and the corresponding one of the fixing portions 21. Further, at this time, the stiffness of each of the first column mounting portions 311 is higher than the stiffness of each of the second column mounting portions 321, and the stiffness of each of the first column mounting portions 312 is higher than the stiffness of each of the second column mounting portions 322. Hence, the deformation amount of each of the first column mounting portions 311 is smaller than the deformation amount of each of the second column mounting portions 321 and the deformation amount of each of the first column mounting portions 312 is smaller than the deformation amount of each of the second column mounting portions 322 . Thus, the vertical columns 3 can be deformed so as to eliminate the gaps between the pair of fixing portions 11 and the vertical columns 3 and the gaps between the pair of fixing portions 21 and the vertical columns 3 under a state in which the vertical columns 3 still extend in the vertical direction.
[0046] As described above, with the car frame device for an elevator according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the groove 342 is formed in the insertion portion 34, and the groove 342 is arranged between the first column mounting portion 311 and the second column mounting portion 321 in the depth direction B of the cage. Thus, the first column mounting portion 311 and the second column mounting portion 321 can be formed with simple

configurations. Further, the groove 352 is formed in the insertion portion 35, and the groove 352 is arranged between the first column mounting portion 311 and the second column mounting portion 322 in the depth direction B of the cage . Thus, the first column mounting portion 312 and the second column mounting portion 322 can be formed with simple configurations.
[0047] Further, the groove 342 is arranged so as to extend in the height direction, and is arranged so as to be offset in the depth direction B from the center of the insertion portion 34 in the depth direction B of the cage. Thus, the first column mounting portion 311 and the second column mounting portion 321 can be formed with simple configurations. Further, the groove 352 is arranged so as to extend in the height direction, and is arranged so as to be offset in the depth direction B from the center of the insertion portion 35 in the depth direction B of the cage. Thus, the first column mounting portion 312 and the second column mounting portion 322 can be formed with simple configurations.
[0048] In each of the embodiments described above, there has been described the configuration in which the stiffness of the first column mounting portion 311 and the stiffness of the second column mounting portion 321 in the depth direction B are different from each other in the portion of each of the vertical columns 3, which is sandwiched between the pair of fixing portions 11, and in which the stiffness of the first column mounting portion 312 and the stiffness of the second column mounting portion 322 in the depth

direction B are different from each other in the portion of each of the vertical columns 3, which is sandwiched between the pair of fixing portions 21. However, the stiffnesses of the first column mounting portions and the second column mounting portions are not limited thereto. For example, the stiffness of the first column mounting portion 311 and the stiffness of the second column mounting portion 321 in the depth direction B may be different from each other in the portion of each of the vertical columns 3, which is sandwiched between the pair of fixing portions 11, and the stiffness of the first column mounting portion 312 and the stiffness of the second column mounting portion 322 in the depth direction B may be the same in the portion of each of the vertical columns 3, which is sandwiched between the pair of fixing portions 21. Further, the stiffness of the first column mounting portion 311 and the stiffness of the second column mounting portion 321 in the depth direction B may be the same in the portion of each of the vertical columns 3, which is sandwiched between the pair of fixing portions 11, and the stiffness of the first column mounting portion 312 and the stiffness of the second column mounting portion 322 in the depth direction B may be different from each other in the portion of each of the vertical columns 3, which is sandwiched between the pair of fixing portions 21. [0049] Fourth Embodiment
FIG. 10 is a front view for illustrating a car frame device for an elevator according to a fourth embodiment of the present

invention. FIG. 11 is a side view for illustrating the car frame device for an elevator of FIG. 10 . FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line XII-XII of FIG. 10 when viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows. In the third embodiment, there has been described the configuration in which each of the vertical columns 3 is formed of a single member and in which each of the vertical columns 3 has the groove 342 and the groove 352 . The configuration according to the third embodiment is suitable for such a car frame device for an elevator in a small-size elevator or a car frame device for an elevator in a small-capacity elevator that the groove 342 and the groove 352 can be formed in each of the vertical columns 3 . A configuration according to a fourth embodiment is suitable for such a car frame device for an elevator in a small-size elevator or a car frame device for an elevator in a small-capacity elevator that the groove 342 and the groove 352 cannot be formed in each of the vertical columns 3.
[0050] The lower beam 1 has the pair of fixing portions 11, which sandwich the lower ends of the vertical columns 3 in the depth direction B of the cage . One of the pair of fixing port ions 11 includes a fixing portion main body 111 and a reinforcing portion 112 . The reinforcing portion 112 is provided to the fixing portion main body 111, and is configured to reinforce the fixing portion main body 111. Another one of the fixing portions 11 does not include a reinforcing portion. Thus, the pair of fixing portions 11 have stiffnesses different from each other. The one of the pair of fixing

portions 11 is referred to as "fixing portion 11A", and the another one thereof is referred to as "fixing portion 11B".
[0051] More specifically, a stiffness ratio of the fixing portion 11A, which is one of the pair of fixing portions 11, and the fixing portion 11B, which is another one thereof, is set to fall within a range of, for example, from about 5:1 to about 10:1.
[0052] The upper beam 2 includes the pair of fixing portions 21, which sandwich the upper ends of the vertical columns 3 in the depth direction B of the cage. Each of the pair of fixing portions 21 does not include a reinforcing portion unlike the fixing portion 11A. Thus, the pair of fixing portions 21 have the same stiffness. One of the pair of fixing portions 21 is referred to as "fixing portion 21A", and another one thereof is referred to as "fixing portion 2IB".
[0053] Each of the vertical columns 3 includes the insertion portion 34 inserted between the pair of fixing portions 11. The insertion portion 34 includes the first column mounting portion 311 and the second column mounting portion 321. The first column mounting portion 311 is fixed to one of the pair of fixing portions 11 with use of the fasteners 12 . The second column mounting portion 321 is fixed to another one of the pair of fixing portions 11 with use of the fasteners 12. The first column mounting portion 311 and the second column mounting portion 321 are integrally formed as a single body.
[0054] Further, each of the vertical columns 3 includes the

insertion portion 35 inserted between the pair of fixing portions 21. The insertion portion 35 includes the first column mounting portion 312 and the second column mounting portion 322. The first column mounting portion 312 is fixed to one of the pair of fixing portions 21 with use of the fasteners 22 . The second column mounting portion 322 is fixed to another one of the pair of fixing portions 21 with use of the fasteners 22 . The first column mounting portion 312 and the second column mounting portion 322 are integrally formed as a single body. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0055] Next, an assembly procedure for the car frame device for an elevator is described. First, the lower ends of the vertical columns 3 are inserted between the pair of fixing portions 11, and the upper ends of the vertical columns 3 are inserted between the pair of fixing portions 21. For easy insertion of the vertical columns 3 between the pair of fixing portions 11, gaps are formed between each of the pair of fixing portions 11 and the vertical columns 3. Further, for easy insertion of the vertical columns 3 between the pair of fixing portions 21, gaps are formed between each of the pair of fixing portions 21 and the vertical columns 3.
[0056] After that, a corresponding one of the fixing portions 11A is fixed to the first column mounting portions 311 with use of the plurality of fasteners 12 . Further, a corresponding one of the fixing portions 21A is fixed to the first column mounting portions

312 with use of the plurality of fasteners 22. After the corresponding one of the fixing portions 11A is fixed to the first column mounting portions 311 and the corresponding one of the fixing portion 21A is fixed to the first column mounting portions 312, the gaps between the first column mounting portions 311 and the corresponding one of the fixing portions 11A are eliminated in the depth direction B of the cage. Further, the gaps between the first column mounting portions 312 and the corresponding one of the fixing portions 21A are eliminated in the depth direction B of the cage. As a result, the gaps are increased between the second column mounting portions 321 and a corresponding one of the fixing portions 11B in the depth direction B of the cage . Further, the gaps are increased between the second column mounting portions 322 and a corresponding one of the fixing portions 21B in the depth direction B of the cage. [0057] After that, a corresponding one of the fixing portions 11B is fixed to the second column mounting portions 321 with use of the plurality of fasteners 12, and a corresponding one of the fixing portions 2IB is fixed to the second column mounting portions 322 with use of the plurality of fasteners 22 . At the time of fixation, the vertical columns 3 are deformed so as to eliminate the gaps between the second column mounting port ions 321 and the corresponding one of the fixing portions 11B and the gaps between the second column mounting port ions 322 and the corresponding one of the fixing portions 21B. Further, at this time, the stiffness of the fixing portion 11A is higher than the stiffness of the fixing portion 11B. Thus,

a deformation amount of the fixing portion 11A is smaller than a deformation amount of the fixing portion 11B. Thus, the vertical columns 3 can be deformed so as to eliminate the gaps between the pair of fixing portions 11 and the vertical columns 3 under a state in which the vertical columns 3 still extend in the vertical direction. [0058] As described above, with the car frame device for an elevator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the stiffness of the fixing portion 11A of the pair of fixing portions 11 is higher than the stiffness of the fixing portion 11B. Thus, when the pair of fixing portions 11 are fixed to the vertical columns 3 with use of the fasteners 12, the deformation amount of the fixing portion 11A is smaller than the deformation amount of the fixing portion 11B. Thus, by first fixing the fixing portion 11A to the first column mounting portions 311, the pair of fixing portions
11 can be deformed so as to eliminate the gaps between the pair of fixing portions 11 and the vertical columns 3 under a state in which the vertical columns 3 still extend in the vertical direction. With the deformation, repetition of a trial and error process for determining the fastening amount of each of the plurality of fasteners
12 and the fastening order of the plurality of fasteners 12 is not required. As a result, assembly work efficiency of the car frame device for an elevator can be improved.
[0059] In the fourth embodiment described above, there has been described the configuration in which the fixing portion 11A includes the reinforcing portion 112, and in which each of the fixing portion

11B, the fixing portion 21A, and the fixing portion 21B does not include a reinforcing portion. However, the configurations of the fixing portions are not limited thereto. For example, there may be adopted a configuration in which each of the fixing portion 11A and the fixing portion 21A includes a reinforcing portion and in which the fixing portion 11B and the fixing portion 21B do not include a reinforcing portion. Further, there maybe adopted a configuration in which the fixing portion 21A includes a reinforcing portion, and in which the fixing portion 11A, the fixing portion 11B, and the fixing portion 21B do not include a reinforcing portion. [0060] Further, in each of the embodiments described above, the fixation between the lower beam 1 and the vertical columns 3 and the fixation between the upper beam 2 and the vertical columns 3 are described. However, the fixation in the present invention can be used for fixation in another apparatus. As examples of fixation in another apparatus, there may be given fixation between vertical frames and an upper frame and fixation between the vertical frames and a lower frame in a counterweight frame for an elevator.
Reference Signs List
[0061] 1 lower beam, 2 upper beam, 3 vertical column, 11, 11A, 11B fixing portion, 12 fastener, 21, 21A, 21B fixing portion, 22 fastener, 31 first vertical column member, 32 second vertical column member, 33 coupling member, 34 insertion portion, 35 insertion portion, 111 fixing portion main body, 112 reinforcing portion,

311 first column mounting port ion, 312 first column mounting port ion, 321 second column mounting portion, 322 second column mounting portion, 341 cutout, 342 groove, 351 cutout, 352 groove

WE CLAIM:
[Claim 1] A car frame device for an elevator, comprising:
a lower beam;
an upper beam provided above the lower beam; and
a vertical column provided between the lower beam and the upper beam,
wherein at least one of the lower beam and the upper beam includes a pair of fixing portions opposed to each other,
wherein the vertical column includes an insertion portion inserted between the pair of fixing portions,
wherein the insertion portion includes:
a first column mounting portion fixed to one of the pair of fixing portions with use of a fastener; and
a second column mounting portion fixed to another one of the pair of fixing portions with use of a fastener, and
wherein a stiffness of the first column mounting portion and a stiffness of the second column mounting portion are different from each other.
[Claim 2] The car frame device for an elevator according to claim
1,
wherein the vertical column includes:
a first vertical column member including the first column mounting portion;
a second vertical column member including the second

column mounting portion; and
coupling member configured to couple the first vertical column member and the second vertical column member to each other, and
wherein the first vertical column member and the second vertical column member are members separate from each other.
[Claim 3] The car frame device for an elevator according to claim
1,
wherein the insertion portion has a cutout, and
wherein the cutout is arranged between the first column
mounting portion and the second column mounting portion of the
vertical column in an opposing direction in which the pair of fixing
portions are opposed to each other.
[Claim 4] The car frame device for an elevator according to claim 3 , wherein the cutout is arranged so as to extend in a height direction of the vertical column, and is arranged so as to be offset in the opposing direction from a center of the insertion portion in the opposing direction.
[Claim 5] The car frame device for an elevator according to claim
1,
wherein the insertion portion has a groove, and
wherein the groove is arranged between the first column

mounting portion and the second column mounting portion of the vertical column in an opposing direction in which the pair of fixing portions are opposed to each other.
[Claim 6] The car frame device for an elevator according to claim 5, wherein the groove is arranged so as to extend in a height direction of the vertical column, and is arranged so as to be offset in the opposing direction from a center of the insertion portion in the opposing direction.
[Claim 7] A car frame device for an elevator, comprising:
a lower beam;
an upper beam provided above the lower beam; and
a vertical column provided between the lower beam and the upper beam,
wherein at least one of the lower beam and the upper beam includes a pair of fixing portions opposed to each other,
wherein the vertical column includes an insertion portion inserted between the pair of fixing portions,
wherein the insertion portion is fixed to one of the pair of fixing portions with use of a fastener, and is fixed to another one of the pair of fixing portions with use of a fastener, and
wherein the pair of fixing portions have stiffnesses different from each other.